With only two weeks until the event, the kick off to the running season in Columbus is almost here.Today is the last day to get a guaranteed entry spot in the event. The filed is limited to 5000 and we have approximately 500 spots left. After today, we will leave online registration open until April 9th or when the cap is reached, whichever is first to occur. Save $10 by making sure you register before the expo. Register Now!

This past weekend I was in John "The Penguin" Bingham's hometown of Chicago for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle promoting our biggest event, The Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon. If you want to see what Capital City might look like with 15,000 participants, come join us on August 10th.

Yesterday, I ran in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8k. No IPOD, no dog, just me and 25,000 participants. In the starting corral, I was talking with a girl who had never participated in an event before. She was both nervous and excited. She was not sure she had done enough training, how fast to run, whether to walk, etc., and was afraid of finishing last (even though there were more than 15,000 people behind us in the corrals). My personal goal of running sub 40 minutes seemed a lot less important and I decided that if her experience was positive or even remarkable, she will look forward to making events part of her life forever. Right then and there, that became my new goal.

With all the excitement, we started out a bit too fast. After running two 10 minute miles, it was clear that this was not the right strategy. We walked for a few minutes, had a little water and Gatorade, and slowed down a few minutes per mile. Even with this new strategy of running and walking, as we approached mile 4, I could see doubt about finishing start to creep into her face. I talked and joked about everything I could other than running (even tequila).

With the finish line in site, the smiles came out and her pace quickened a bit. I saw a huge smile as she ran under the Finish Line banner. As we walked through the Runner Recovery Area, she had a whole new level of confidence, a huge sense of accomplishment and one big smile. She looked at me and asked "When is the date of your next Half Marathon?" I could tell by the way she talked, she will see a lot of finish line banners in her life and my guess is she will never forget that one. I know I won't. By changing my goal for one day, I was able to provide a little of the encouragement and motivation that John has provided to millions of runners and walkers over the last dozen years. As you stand in the starting corrals at Capital City take a look around, you may just find someone who might change your goals and who knows, maybe even your life.

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I look forward to seeing you in your training. If you see me and Chipper running on the paths, come join us........David

Break up the distance into smaller pieces so you aren't trying to bite off the whole distance at the start line. That is just too overwhelming and can increase your mental stress level. Review the course map and pick out 5- 8 check points along the way and focus on one at a time. It makes for a fun mental scavenger hunt and allows you to focus on small, very digestible pieces.

If you have a run-in with a negative thought during your training or in the race you worry about not being able to finish...take a deep breath, and focus on all the good things that you've done this far. Relax...If you are having a rough day, slow your pace and mentally focus on taking it one step at a time. If you are having a great day, take notes on what your thoughts are during the workout. Every run can be joyful if you quiet the voices and tune in to what is going on around you and how far you've come.

Think about your training route. When I get to the 10- mile mark in the race, I think of my 3-mile route at home and visualize that course. It is familiar and I know I can run it. It's mentally comforting.

Finally, if things get tough, use this trick: Think about how you want to feel after the race is over. Do you want to feel proud and excited about what you've just accomplished or sad about the outcome of the race. When things get tough for me in races, I think about how things could be worse than they are. I could be running "up" a mountain, or in sand, or not feeling well, or I could have just sat on a cactus while trying to go to the bathroom. It can always be worse:) Sometimes having a post race goal can help you push through the tough bits.

Have faith in your preparation and believe you can do it. Surrender to the unknown and enjoy every step you take. The training is your journey, the race is simply the celebration!

All of the race information you need about the expo, packet pickup, start times and course information can be found here.

When you are in Columbus check out our host partner, The Arena District .

As the premier entertainment district in downtown Columbus, the Arena District offers an experience unlike any other. With its exceptional dining, accessible parking, live entertainment and affordable hotels, families, couples and singles alike can enjoy the district and all that it has to offer.

CD101 has become the Official Music Provider of the Capital City Half Marathon. We have agreed on a playlist 60 songs long (a full 4 hours) that we will have at the event, at each aid station and in the CD101 truck out on the course. The playist is posted here.

I am excited by the energy level of the Columbus Running Company which has partnered with Reebok and CD101 to provide a battle of the bands out on the course. You vote for your favorite and the winning band will receive some air time on CD101. With music stations and band stations all over the course, you are going to be part of one of the biggest block parties this town has ever seen.

Check out the details and a virtual course tour here.